Hemp helps Man City to 'important' win days after England disappointment

PA Sport staff
Press Association
Manchester City earned a 2-1 win over Aston Villa
Manchester City earned a 2-1 win over Aston Villa

Lauren Hemp was happy to end a difficult week on a high after scoring both goals in Manchester City's 2-1 Women's Super League victory over Aston Villa.

Hemp was part of the England team that thumped Scotland 6-0 on Tuesday but agonisingly missed out on staying in contention for an Olympic place with Great Britain.

City went behind against Villa in the seventh minute to a brilliant hooked finish from Danielle Turner but Hemp scored twice in quick succession midway through the second half.

Hemp told Sky Sports: "It was so important. We came off the back of the 7-0 win against Spurs so it was important for us to keep that momentum building.

"Obviously we were gutted not to qualify but the focus now turns back to club.

"We struggled in the first half a bit to get that momentum but in the second half we were a lot more clinical and we showed parts of City that obviously we want to produce every week. A win's a win and that's all that matters."

It was a third straight victory for City, who moved up to second place above Arsenal, for 24 hours at least.

Hemp added: "I feel like we're in a really good place as a team and hopefully it'll scare teams, they don't want to come here.

"We've got such a good record here. Our aim is to win the title this season, we're not afraid to say it and we obviously want that Champions League spot as well."

Hemp is out of contract at the end of the season and boss Gareth Taylor is hoping to continue working with her for the long term.

He said: "She's had a really good offer. I love working with Lauren, I've got a really good connection with her.

"I think here she feels she can be herself. She's got so much more to come. We all know what a talent she is but I think the last half a dozen games I've seen her go to new levels in everything she does."

Tags

Manchester City WomenWomen's Super League